St Peter: The Rock of Christ’s Church
In Luke 22 we can read how Peter got it all wrong, again.
Luke’s gospel tells us how Peter denied knowing Jesus, not once, but three times.
I wonder how forgiving we would be of a friend who denied us three times in our hour of need?
But it never affected the great faith Jesus had in Peter as the future leader of His church, despite his many human failings.
The Rock upon which the Church was Built
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”
These words were not just symbolism; they were a divine appointment.
Christ chose Peter, not because of his perfection, but because of his faith, his courage, and his willingness to lead despite his flaws.
And although Peter was bold, often speaking before thinking, sometimes stumbling—he always returned to Christ.
When the storm raged, he was the disciple who stepped out onto the water, trusting Jesus – even though he began to sink.
Peter Denies Knowing Jesus Three Times
Though he denied Jesus three times as he was taken away by the guards, Peter wept bitterly as he realised his weakness.
I expect he begged forgiveness for his heart-breaking betrayal in prayer, as he was eventually restored enough to run to the empty tomb and discover the linen cloths Jesus left behind.
And, that is the kind of rock Jesus needed—not one that never cracks in difficult times, but one that endures, learns, and strengthens others.
This makes me think of the ancient Oak trees we have in England, they have survived for hundreds of years through blizzards, drought and storms, and yet they remain ever tranquil and flourish.
Today the Oak trees provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. As do the teachings of Jesus offer us refuge from the world.
Peter’s Leadership Role in the Early Church was Pivotal to the Faith
After Christ’s death, he naturally stood up to the position of leader as he preached at Pentecost, leading thousands to salvation.
He embraced the mission to welcome Gentiles, ensuring the gospel reached all people.
He guided believers through persecution and remained steadfast in faith until the day he was martyred.
So just think, if Jesus could build His Church upon Peter—a man of deep faith yet human weakness—
then surely, He can use us too..
Today we Live in a World that Often Demonstrates Punitive Personal Assessment…
…if only on ourselves by ourselves.
But we are often punitive in our judgements of others too.
This is not the way Jesus taught.
When Peter got it wrong, Jesus was not shocked or horrified, because he understood the weakness of humankind.
This is what he came to help us overcome – and we can learn much from his teachings about judgement, forgiveness and genuine Christian love.
So let us be rocks, like Peter, or strong Oak Trees, in our own individual ways for the sake of Jesus:
Let us be steadfast in faith, faithful in truth, and ever true to Christ our saviour – who loves us all despite our very many human weaknesses.
Amen.